DEALS

Tanker truck catches fire on I-4 in Seffner

A tanker operated by Agmark Transportation out of Nashville, Tenn., carrying a load of citrus extract known as orange essence, caught fire on Interstate 4 in east Hillsborough County. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

A tanker truck hauling a flammable liquid caught fire on Interstate 4 in Seffner on Friday, clogging highway traffic but causing no injuries.

About 10 a.m., the tractor-trailer was heading east in the center lane approaching Mango Road when it experienced an engine failure that resulted in fire, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The driver, Clay Philip Rollins, 40, of Winter Haven, steered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle.

The tanker was hauling an aromatic citrus extract called orange essence, officials said. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue dispatched several crews and a hazardous materials unit. The fire was extinguished within minutes and the crews prevented flames from reaching the liquid, the agency said.

The 2006 Freightliner was operated by Agmark Transportation, of Nashville, Tenn.

Due to smoke, traffic in both directions was closed until after the flames were extinguished. All lanes were reopened before noon, but traffic remained backed up on I-4 and nearby arteries handling detoured motorists.